GrandmaPeggy

FYI---I failed motherhood 101. Okay, it was partly because I never taught our daughters how to sew. Neither Daughter #1 or Daughter #2 were interested. However, I am doing better, at least in that regard, with DGDs. I have shown them both how to sew up holes in stuffed animals and have supervised the repairs they made, as well. I have taken them both to my quilt class several times, where they examined what the members were doing, oohed and aahed at the finished quilts brought in for show and generally had a great time. DGD #1 even asked for a piece of fabric to duplicate what she had seen a member do on an applique project, carefully turning under the fabric, pressing with her fingers, then hand sewing.

DGD #1 (8 years old) recently made an appliqued 12" block for a Brownie badge. I only assisted, she cut pieces, sewed and then used the embroidery machine. She posed for the required photos and turned it in to be made into quilts with all the others submitted. She said she can hardly wait to see the resulting quilts.

DGD #2 (6 years old) was able to talk DD into buying her a sewing kit when they were out shopping. It has pins, needles, thread and a little pink pin cushion! She excitedly told me all about it recently. Then, she added, "I told Mommy I would teach her how to sew!" I did not laugh, but it was hard, as she was so serious. Then, last night, DD reported that DGD #2, saw a hole in her stuffed animal. She has decided to make it bigger. . . . so she can sew it up! Kids say the funniest things!

SewExtremeSeams

Too cute!

I have enjoyed teaching my grandchildren at young ages how to sew. It is so fun!

SWEETPEACHES

Cute. Sounds like the girls need their own little sewing machine for Christmas.

lizzyq

It's the same in my family. DDs still bring things to me to fix, and just-turned-seven year old DGD loves to sew by hand and machine. I taught her how to sew on a button so that she can do that at home. She's very proud of her new skills.

krafty14

I don't think you failed Motherhood 101, you are excelling at Grandmother 101. I think it skips a generation. My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 9. While my mother could fix almost anything, replace pockets in pants, etc. I prefer making something from scratch. I taught my son how to use the machine, and he made a sweatshirt in middle school sewing class (where was wood shop when I went to school??)
I started my granddaughters (7, 10, 12)sewing early. The older ones about 5 years ago -- we made pillows. The younger one about 2 years ago -- she sews strips together beautifully.
The older one seems to have maintained the interest. A few months ago they were at my place, the two younger ones were playing games, while the older one was attached to my sewing machine. The younger ones wanted her to join them, but she was really involved in figuring out her own pattern.
Another time when she was over alone, I cut out all the pieces for a lined tote. She sewed it all together herself, padded handles, two tone outside. I see her carrying her stuff in it when she goes to visit. We are moving soon and I will be living closer. Can't wait to get them on the LAQ!!
So, it is my opinion that we are both doing well at Grandmother 101!!
Ann

grammy Dwynn

I can relate! Both of my DD's were not interested in sewing while growing up. Oldest DGD, a few years ago asked to sew, and she made a pillow and entered it in the fair - she got a blue ribbon. Then her brother and younger sister asked to sew. All three have made their own pillowcases. Then we did another project, they each made a stuffed fabric pumpkin, plus a larger one for Mom. It is fun working with them.

Side note oldest DD has invested in a sewing machine, so there might still be hope.

GwynR

You are being a wonderful grandmother!! My kids never learned much about sewing either. When they were really small I was afraid they would sew their fingers. As they got a little older and we could (barely) afford a very nice machine I was afraid they would break the machine. Now I regret that. DD is 20 and DS's are almost 18. I have 2 sewing machines in boxes waiting for them to have kids so I can teach my grandkids how to sew!!! I vow to not be afraid to let them try out the expensive machines too! My DD, I think, will eventually be a sewer and one of my DS is dating a girl who is learning how to sew. Do you share your stash with them? or take them shopping? I am so looking forward to being a Grandma!!

athomenow

My stepdaughter confessed that she had thrown away a couple of her shirts because they had buttons missing. WHAT???? That was her mother's fault not mine!

GrandmaPeggy

Well, I am not sure about that. DGD #1 is in theater, so I had her assist in designing her costume. I told her she could sew it, if she wanted to. Her answer.... "I like to help design, but I do not want to sew costumes, I want to be on stage". Kids say the funniest things.

crafty pat

What a wonderful Grand Mother you are. These are memory's the will take with them forever.